WATCH: Chinese Warship Nearly Hits US Destroyer in Taiwan Strait

Dramatic video shows the moment a Chinese warship cut in front of a U.S. destroyer as it conducted a routine operation in the Taiwan Strait this weekend, the interceptor-like move forcing the American vessel to slow down in order to avoid a direct collision.

The USS Chung-Hoon was traveling alongside a Canadian ship through the waters between China and Taiwan when it encountered the Chinese vessel. The Chinese warship then ran across the Chung-Hoon's port side and overtook the ship with just 150 yards between each ship, the U.S. Navy confirmed Monday.

"The fact that this was announced over radio prior to doing it clearly indicated that it was intentional," Canadian Commander Paul Mountford, who witnessed the encounter first-hand, told Reuters. "Maneuvering close to each other — 150 yards — is very scary, and you don't ever want to be that close to another vessel."

The Navy said the maneuver was uncalled for because its operation took place "through waters where high seas freedoms of navigation and overflight apply." On Monday, Beijing announced that it believed its ship acted legally and safely, according to Reuters.

The two superpowers postponed military talks last week over a breakdown in communications related to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.